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Author
Topic: MEMORIAL SERVICE (Read 48184 times)

Dunshee House will gladly host us if we want to go there! No insurance or contract mentioned! Its 1.4 miles from the hotel and walkable although with a somewhat steep hill. It is also on a direct bus route if we preferred that option! People's input is desired as I said I would be in touch with the executive director again after I consulted with my homies!

Sounds great Odyssey - Is there any certain times on Friday that we are limited to having it? I'm not sure what time the memorial service is usually held - perhaps, those who have been before could give some input.

I told him we were probably going to have our meet and greet in the evening so we'd want to do it earlier than that. He said Fridays are fairly open he'll just need to coordinate with his staff. But he said they have multiple rooms. It seems he's pretty flexible (and enthusiastic about having us I might add)!

Good one Odyssey, Dunshee House looks like a great place, if possible can we keep the service around mid morning, it then gives every one a chance go for lunch after and then get back to the hotel and get organized for the Meet and Greet.

Dunshee House will gladly host us if we want to go there! No insurance or contract mentioned! Its 1.4 miles from the hotel and walkable although with a somewhat steep hill. It is also on a direct bus route if we preferred that option! People's input is desired as I said I would be in touch with the executive director again after I consulted with my homies!

I am relieved this has been resolved! I agree with a "just prior to lunch" start time...maybe 11 am? We did this in Boston. I think it was later in Las Vegas because of our skyjumping (don't think we will be reprising that!)

I am relieved this has been resolved! I agree with a "just prior to lunch" start time...maybe 11 am? We did this in Boston. I think it was later in Las Vegas because of our skyjumping (don't think we will be reprising that!)

So far, I have not been able to reach nor get a phone call back from the Executive Director of the place that I was checking into....

My thoughts are that if we are able to go with Dunshee House - and if it is suitable to everyone - than we should go ahead with it --- unless anyone has any other options they would like to put out for consideration.

Dunshee House sounds lovely...that means I will not have to pack all the scarves and throws and make Santiago carry all my hair products in his carryon...and it really matters not to me where we have the memorial as it's about people, not places...Thanks Ody for finding this venue for us.

Umm, first of all, I'm glad I could help out in some way! Second, does this mean I should call the director back and book us an 11 am slot? I don't want to leave him waiting too long, but I want to make sure we have come to a consensus as well!

And leatherman: of course you had to show me up by posting the pretty map with little waypoints

And leatherman: of course you had to show me up by posting the pretty map with little waypoints

that was just an update of my first map back when we were chatting up the park.

I was a courier for many years, and have worked for a number of years now being the ComputerTutor, going to people's homes to fix their software issues and teach them about using the computer. When I say that "Google is my friend", I also mean google maps.

As to the Dunshee House, I saw that one of their rooms can accommodate up to 30 people, is that the space we're looking at? Will there be a fee?

Logged

leatherman (aka mIkIE)

All the stars are flashing high above the seaand the party is on fire around you and meWe're gonna burn this disco down before the morning comes- Pet Shop Boys chart from 1992-2015Isentress/Prezcobix

no, I meant a fee from Dunshee House for us to use their facility. If you look at their site http://www.dunsheehouse.org/rental.html, they mention "room rental" and I was looking to confirm whether the Dunshee House was looking to "rent" space to us for a fee.

Logged

leatherman (aka mIkIE)

All the stars are flashing high above the seaand the party is on fire around you and meWe're gonna burn this disco down before the morning comes- Pet Shop Boys chart from 1992-2015Isentress/Prezcobix

no, I meant a fee from Dunshee House for us to use their facility. If you look at their site http://www.dunsheehouse.org/rental.html, they mention "room rental" and I was looking to confirm whether the Dunshee House was looking to "rent" space to us for a fee.

The man I spoke to, who I'm pretty sure was the executive director, didn't mention a fee. I would certainly hope if they were planning to charge us he would have said something then! I can call back and ask of course! Let's see, its 5:30 here on the east coast, that makes it..... 2:30 in Seattle? Yep, they'd be open I think! I'll give him a ring and ask about fees and check to see if 11 am would work and report back!

I've called twice and left messages, it seems with the time difference (I'm on the east coast) we're playing a bit of phone tag. I'll be trying a couple of times tomorrow, hopefully I'll get a hold of him then!

I just got off the phone with the director a little bit ago and he just needs to double check that a group that sometimes rents the whole house on Fridays hasn't already. If not, we'll be set for the 19th at 11 am on a by donation basis! And I said we make donations so bring some cash people! Lol at least he won't charge to rent!

I have plans during that period so can we change the time? Just kidding, sounds great.

Don't you dare! If you want to spend a day in the slings at a bathhouse do it on your own time, not ours! just kidding around buddy! Glad so many people are on board! Here's hoping this comes together!

Sorry guys, my cat died and I kind of forgot to call him! I just left him a message letting him know that we really needed to firm this up!

Dang Odyssey - sorry to hear about your cat --- I hope that you are handling it okay. It sucks to lose a pet - I know how close we can become to them.

I'm sure you will be able to get things firmed up with Dunshee House --- if you need any assistance on this end, just say the word.

Once again, sorry about the loss of your cat - how old was he or she? (I actually was just thinking about getting a cat the other day - one of the ones that has been flown down here to South Florida due to the floods in the mid-west). But, I have a hard enough time taking care of myself sometimes and wouldn't want a pet to suffer due to my lack of responsibility at times.

She was 15. I got her when I was 10. I'm glad I got to be there and hold her and talk to her as she died. And I'm glad I could end her suffering for her. Her kidneys were failing and she was in a lot of pain. I'll miss her a lot. If I dont hear back from Jake at the Dunshee house in a day or two I'll post his number so everyone else can start getting on his case too, lol!

She was 15. I got her when I was 10. I'm glad I got to be there and hold her and talk to her as she died. And I'm glad I could end her suffering for her. Her kidneys were failing and she was in a lot of pain. I'll miss her a lot.

She was fortunate to have someone who cared for her - and didn't want to see her in pain. I'm sure that you being there for her was a comfort --- I really believe that. She basically grew up with you and you with her - if that isn't a great companion, I don't know what is.

OMG I'm so sorry!!! I still love my babies who have gone before me...you are a honorable man for staying with her, I know how hard it is. Ask me in Seattle and I'll tell you more about my mistakes and redemptions...

I was with my last cat at the end. I know it helped him feel calmer (he hated the vet more than any animal I've ever known) -- but more importantly, it helped me know that the end was peaceful for him. I hope that you got the same comfort -- I'm sure that you gave her comfort and peace then too.

Thanks for the condolences everyone! It means a lot that you all care about her and me.

As for the Dunshee house Jake left me a message today while I was in school (this always happens) and it sounded like he said we had a spot reserved Friday August 19th at 11 am! I just need to firm up the details with him. I know we have about 20 people signed up so far but any idea of how many more we'll get? My original estimate was 20-30 so I hope I'm not too far off and they can still fit us in one of their rooms.

Also, how long do you think for the ceremony? An hour? Just need to give him an idea of how long we'd need the space for. Anything else you can think of?

I think you are over reacting Odyssey, but we do have to remember that it's not just a Gay AMG, it's for everyone, young, old, gay and straight..don't let this get out of hand and turn it into a Gay/straight argument.

An AMG Memorial Service is not about the place. It is about a time, when you gather with people you know, who share your same feelings and who are seeking some peace with the universe. A time, when you mourn all that you have lost. A time to recognize all that you are. But mostly, a time when you celebrate the people standing both next to you and within your hearts.

An AMG Memorial Service is not about the place. It is about a time, when you gather with people you know, who share your same feelings and who are seeking some peace with the universe. A time, when you mourn all that you have lost. A time to recognize all that you are. But mostly, a time when you celebrate the people standing both next to you and within your hearts.

remember our first one in Toronto Joe?..a service was never planned was it, it was just a wee walk and a visit to the Memorial park for us, Moffie made us all Red Ribbons, and when we had all gathered together after Ric read out something he had written down...and unknowingly he started our yearly Memorial Service, and in all those years he was with us he only missed one.

but of course he will always be with us in spirit...and the others as well. That's the best part of having a memorial service...reminding us that disease, pain, suffering, and death never has the last word!

I just spoke with Jake, the program manager for the Dunshee House. He has our room reserved for Friday, August 19th at 11 a.m. as planned. I asked if there were any restrictions on using the space, specifically using candles, and he said there would be no problem.

We will be using the largest room they have available and it has a maximum capacity of about 30.

Everything is in order and I am sure this will be a wonderful part of our time together in Seattle. I am honored to plan and direct the service for the third year. I think our "names aloud" will be very moving and healing for all of us. I have found some evocative music to play in the background while the names are being read aloud.

I am also working on another "interactive" component to the memorial service. We have done candles a lot...I am looking for something different this time (although I can default to candles if need be...they are always appropriate.) I have some people here in Lou-ah-vull (the correct way to pronounce my hometown) who are helping me with this. Naturally, if it is something different...it will be a surprise.

I know Jan and RAB will be relieved to know the arrangements are all set. I was a bit worried myself. Now that I have spoken directly to Jake, I feel really great about the proximity and appropriateness of this facility. I know we will be generous in showing our appreciation for their hospitality.